By Darin Hayes September 22, 1922 – Ray Evans was a University of Kansas halfback who played for the Jayhawks in the 1940s.
Ray was a phenomenal two-way player. In 1942, he led the nation in passing and also in interceptions! That season, he became only the second player in college history to complete more than 100 passes (101), and his 10 interceptions on defense were the envy of all of the defensive backs in the country. Evans played for the Jayhawks in 1941 and 1942, then left the team to serve in the U.S. Air Force during World War II for three years. He returned to the Kansas team in 1946 to resume his pre-war success, leading the team in rushing, passing, and total offense.
His final season with the team in 1947 was special for Kansas as the team went 8-0-2 and earned the right to play Georgia Tech in the Orange Bowl. Unfortunately for the Jayhawks, the Yellow Jackets narrowly defeated them 20-14. A super athlete, Ray was also an excellent basketball player for the Jayhawks.
The University of Kansas retired Evan’s jersey number 42, as well as his basketball number 15. After college, Evans played in the NFL for the 1948 Pittsburgh Steelers. The National Football Foundation awarded the great player in 1964 with entry into their College Football Hall of Fame.